Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Annual or perennial Similar Species: Chamaesyce hypericifoliaGeneral Desc:
A short-lived herbaceous plant with spreading upright stems, growing up to 18 inches tall. Its slender stems contain a milky sap and are mostly hairless. The central stalk has many branches, each with a crown of terminal flowers/fruit. Identification notes: Plants erect. Some of the leaves more than 1/2 inch long, opposite, usually unsymetric at the base. Stipules not united into a glabrous, membranaceous scale. Capsules less than 1/8 inch long. Seeds with definite, regular, tranverse ridges. Height:
10 to 18 inches Habitat

Habitat Description: Plant is most commonly found in sandy desert washes and canyons and along streambeds. It can also be a weed in agricultural areas. Plant Communities:
Riparian, Disturbed AreasElevation: 1000 - 6000 feet Flower Characteristics

Color:
White to reddish-pink
Shape:
Regular in round clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Jan - Apr Description:
The flowers are tiny and have a 3-angled green ovary and 4 petal-like lobes. Flowers open white and age to reddish-pink color. Flowers are arranged into loose clusters in the upper leaf forks or at the tips of the branches. Flowers are 1/16 inch wide.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Fruit Color: Green Fruit Type: CapsuleFruit Notes: A three-lobed seed capsule grows out of the center of each flower and is green with a red blush.Seed Notes: Tiny seeds are four-sided or ovoid in shape with slightly wrinkled surfaces.